LAS VEGAS — Intel used CES 2026 to draw a clear line under its next computing push, announcing what it called its first processor built on Intel 18A — and officially introducing the third-generation Intel Core Ultra lineup aimed at mainstreaming “AI PCs” across laptops and edge systems.
Intel says the new platform combines refreshed performance and efficiency CPU cores, a stronger GPU, and a more capable NPU (neural processing unit) designed to accelerate on-device AI tasks — the kind that can run locally without sending data to the cloud.
“No more choosing between performance and battery”
Intel executive Jim Johnson said the new Core Ultra family is built to improve power efficiency, compute performance, and graphics, with a particular focus on AI-assisted experiences. The company also highlighted updated graphics features, including AI-driven frame generation, as part of its gaming pitch.
Two new tiers — X9 and X7 — are positioned as the headline options, targeting users who want both long battery life and strong performance for work, creation, and gaming.
Bigger gains at the same power
Intel’s claims center on performance-per-watt improvements:
- Up to 50% higher performance at the same power versus Lunar Lake (company figures)
- About 30% lower power at the same performance compared with Arrow Lake-H (company figures)
At the top end, Intel says certain configurations can reach 16 CPU cores and up to 12 Xe cores on graphics, with support for ray tracing and XeSS multi-frame generation. Intel also touted battery life up to 27 hours in select designs, positioning the lineup as a step forward for thin-and-light laptops.
180 TOPS and on-device AI momentum
Intel is leaning hard into local AI. The company says the platform can deliver up to 180 TOPS of total AI compute and, using its OpenVINO toolkit, can run very large models locally depending on configuration and workload.
Intel also emphasized ecosystem partnerships — including productivity and creator workflows — and framed the strategy as part of a broader move toward hybrid AI, where tasks are split between device and cloud for performance, cost, and privacy reasons.
Beyond PCs, Intel said the same momentum is expanding to edge and industrial deployments such as smart factories, robotics, and healthcare.
Release timeline
Intel says laptops powered by the third-gen Core Ultra chips will begin preorders on Jan. 6, with broader availability starting Jan. 27. More designs are expected to roll out in the first half of 2026, while edge systems based on the platform are projected to arrive in Q2 2026.
Why it matters
For consumers, Intel’s message is simple: the next PC upgrade cycle won’t just be about faster CPUs — it will be about dedicated AI horsepower, improved efficiency, and graphics upgrades that make everyday work and entertainment feel noticeably smoother.
